This talk is a continuation of the same subject.  In last three parts we discussed the following:

1. The Most Important Source of Knowledge about the Religion of Islam
2. Doctrines That Led to the Corruption of Previous Religions and how the Quran refuted both of them
3. The approaches outlined in the Quran to deepen our knowledge and understanding of Allah
4. Everyone must critically evaluate and follow what aligns with their own understanding of the Quran
5. The Quran is comprehensive
6. Allah is Your Teacher if you have Taqwa
7. Tadabbur of the Quran: meaning and types
8. Intellectual Tadabbur and the importance of defining of key terms
9. Definitions for Key Terms in the Quran

1. Awliya of Allah (أولياء الله)
2. Taqwa and those who have Taqwa (تقوى و متقين)
3. Ibadah
4. Eman and those who have Eman (إيمان و مؤمنون) (belief and believers)

The Righteous Slaves of Al-Rahman (Ebad Al-Rahman) (عباد الرحمان)

 

The traits of the righteous slaves of Allah are summarized in the following verses from Surat Al-Rahman.

وَعِبَادُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ هَوْنًا وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ ٱلْجَٰهِلُونَ قَالُوا۟ سَلَٰمًا  (63) وَٱلَّذِينَ يَبِيتُونَ لِرَبِّهِمْ سُجَّدًا وَقِيَٰمًا  (64) وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا ٱصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَامًا  (65) إِنَّهَا سَآءَتْ مُسْتَقَرًّا وَمُقَامًا  (66) وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَنفَقُوا۟ لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا۟ وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا۟ وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا  (67) وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَدْعُونَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ وَلَا يَقْتُلُونَ ٱلنَّفْسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَلَا يَزْنُونَ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ يَلْقَ أَثَامًا  (68) يُضَٰعَفْ لَهُ ٱلْعَذَابُ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ وَيَخْلُدْ فِيهِۦ مُهَانًا  (69) إِلَّا مَن تَابَ وَءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَٰلِحًا فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ ٱللَّهُ سَيِّـَٔاتِهِمْ حَسَنَٰتٍ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا  (70) وَمَن تَابَ وَعَمِلَ صَٰلِحًا فَإِنَّهُۥ يَتُوبُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَتَابًا  (71) وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ ٱلزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّوا۟ بِٱللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا۟ كِرَامًا  (72) وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ لَمْ يَخِرُّوا۟ عَلَيْهَا صُمًّا وَعُمْيَانًا  (73) وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا  (74) أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يُجۡزَوۡنَ ٱلۡغُرۡفَةَ بِمَا صَبَرُواْ وَيُلَقَّوۡنَ فِيهَا تَحِيَّةً۬ وَسَلَـٰمًا (٧٥) خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا‌ۚ حَسُنَتۡ مُسۡتَقَرًّ۬ا وَمُقَامً۬ا (٧٦) (الفرقان)

“And the righteous slaves of Al-Rahman are those who:

1. walk on the earth humbly, and
2. when the ignorant people address them, they reply peacefully, (63)
3. And those who pass the night Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer] before their Lord. (64)
4. And those who say, “Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is a persisting affliction; (65) Indeed, it is evil as a settlement and residence.” (66)
5. And those who, when they spend are neither extravagant nor miserly, but are moderate between that. (67)
6. And those who do not invoke any other god with Allah, and
7. Do not kill a person whom Allah has given sanctity, except rightfully, and
8. Do not fornicate; and whoever should do that will face the recompense. (68) The punishment will be doubled for him on the Day of Judgement, and he will abide therein humiliated (69)
9. Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous deeds. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good deeds. And Allah is Most-Forgiving, Merciful. (70) And whoever repents and does righteous deeds turns to Allah truly. (71)
10. And those who do not testify to falsehood, and
11. when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity. (72)
12. And those who, when reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not fall upon them deaf and blind. (73)
13. And those who say, “Our Lord, grant us from our wives and children comfort to our eyes and make us an example for those who have Taqwa. (74)

Those will be awarded the Chamber for what they patiently endured, and they will be received therein with greetings and [words of] peace. (75) Abiding eternally therein. Good is the abode and station. (Al-Furqan 25:63-76)

 These Ayat describe the righteous slaves of Al-Rahman as those who are recognized by the following behaviors:

1. They never invoke any other god with Allah
2. They often remember the Hereafter and regularly seek Allah’s protection from the Hell fire.
3. They are regular in their night prayers.
4. They are wise in their spending; they are neither extravagant nor miserly
5. They are humble and modest
6. They ignore all bad speeches and if addressed directly by ignorant speech, they respond with peaceful one in content and tone.
7. They respect the sanctity of the human life,
8. They are chaste
9. When they commit sin, they repent and do righteous deeds.
10. They are truthful and never give false testimony.
11. They are not distracted when the Quran is being recited.
12. They are regular in their supplication to Allah to make their wives and children comfort for their eyes and that they be example of those who have Taqwa.

 

Traits of Believers, Those with Taqwa and the Slaves of Al-Rahman

The following list is a consolidation of the traits of believers, those with Taqwa and the Slaves of Al-Rahman

1.             Faith and Belief a.             Believe in Allah, His angels, books, messengers, and the Day of Judgment. b.             Make no distinction among Allah’s messengers. c.             Invoke no god besides Allah. 2.             Worship and Rituals a.             Perform prayer, fasting, Hajj, and engage in frequent remembrance of Allah and the Hereafter. b.             Trust in Allah and maintain reverence (Khushoo) in prayer, including night prayers. c.             Regularly engage with the Quran, recitation and reflection. d.             Frequent remembrance of Allah and praising the Prophet (PBUH) 3.             Seeking Forgiveness and Gratitude a.             Seek Allah’s forgiveness often and acknowledge His blessings. b.             Repent sincerely after sinning. 4.             Charity and Financial Ethics a.             Give charity generously, spend wisely, and avoid extravagance and miserliness. b.             Avoid Riba, gambling, and protect others’ wealth. 5.             Character and Morality a.             Speak truthfully, testify honestly, and use respectful language. b.             Avoid arrogance, suspicion, backbiting, and insulting others. c.             Maintain self-restraint. d.             Avoid and turn away from Laghw (vain talk and deeds

6.             Patience, Forgiveness, and Humility a.             Exercise patience, forgive others, and maintain contentment. b.             Stay humble and respond peacefully to ignorant speech. 7.             Community Responsibility and Social Ethics a.             Enjoin what is right, forbid wrong, and avoid vain talk. b.             Keep trusts and covenants faithfully. c.             Seek permission to enter others’ property and verify information before acting. 8.             Justice and Legal Matters a.             Uphold justice, maintain proper legal documentation, and ensure fair retribution for crimes. 9.             Unity, Striving, and Support a.             Be prepared for Jihad with wealth and lives, supporting fellow believers, and striving to keep unity. b.             Honor the sanctity of life. 10.          Personal Conduct and Family Life a.     Maintain cleanliness, eat lawful food, and restrain anger. b.     Respect life, avoid alcohol, and preserve chastity. c.     Pray for righteous families and aspire to be models of Taqwa.

 

Note: All the commands of Allah are essential, a true believer must strive to implement and live according to all of them. However, these commands are not all equal in their degree of importance. The following verse suggests that while all the commands of Allah are good, some hold greater excellence than others.

وَٱتَّبِعُوٓاْ أَحۡسَنَ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكُم مِّن رَّبِّڪُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَڪُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ بَغۡتَةً۬ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَشۡعُرُونَ (٥٥)

“And follow the best of what was sent down to you from your Lord before the punishment comes upon you suddenly, while you are unaware.” (Al-Zumar 39:55)

The following picture portrays a Muslim as a well-nourished tree, firmly rooted with strong foundations, bearing superior fruits of moral character.

A Muslim as a well-nourished tree

(firmly rooted, bearing superior fruits of moral character)

The Meaning of Al-Rahman (الرحمان)

The name Al-Rahman (الرحمن) appears in the opening verse of the Quran alongside two other names: Allah and Al-Rahim (the Merciful):

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ (١)

“In the name of Allah, Al-Rahman, the Merciful”. (Al-Fatiha 1:1)

It is widely understood that “Allah” is the personal name of the Creator of the universe. This name is unique because it is neither gendered nor pluralized, making it inappropriate to translate. Al-Rahim refers to Allah’s attribute of mercy and is therefore translated as “the Merciful.” However, understanding the meaning of Al-Rahman (الرحمن) presents a unique challenge.

The Quran, known for its eloquence, does not employ synonyms within the same verse, as this would contradict its linguistic precision. Despite this, traditional interpretations often treat Al-Rahman and Al-Rahim as synonymous. To address this apparent contradiction, scholars have suggested that Al-Rahman refers to a universal form of mercy, encompassing all people—believers and non-believers—in this world. In contrast, Al-Rahim is understood as a mercy specifically reserved for believers in the Hereafter.

However, defining Al-Rahman primarily as an expression of mercy does not fully align with its usage throughout the Quran. The name Al-Rahman appears 57 times in the Quran, excluding its mention in the Basmalah (except in Surah Al-Fatiha). Its distinctiveness is underscored by its interchangeable usage with the name “Allah.” Remarkably, Al-Rahman can even be substituted for “Allah” in the declaration of faith, a concept supported by several Quranic verses.

قُلِ ٱدۡعُواْ ٱللَّهَ أَوِ ٱدۡعُواْ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنَ‌ۖ أَيًّ۬ا مَّا تَدۡعُواْ فَلَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ‌ۚ  (١١٠)

“Say: Call upon Allah or call upon Al-Rahman. By whatever name you call upon Him, to Him belong the best names.” (Al-Isra 17:110)

 In the following two consecutive verses, one verse uses “Allah,” while the other uses “Al-Rahman,” demonstrating their equivalence:

قُلۡ أَرَءَيۡتُمۡ إِنۡ أَهۡلَكَنِىَ ٱللَّهُ وَمَن مَّعِىَ أَوۡ رَحِمَنَا فَمَن يُجِيرُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ۬ (٢٨) قُلۡ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ وَعَلَيۡهِ تَوَكَّلۡنَا‌ۖ فَسَتَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ هُوَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬ (٢٩)

“Say, ‘Tell me, if Allah should destroy me and those with me, or have mercy upon us, who can protect the disbelievers from a painful punishment?’ (28) Say, ‘He is Al-Rahman; we have believed in Him, and upon Him we have relied.’ So, you will soon come to know who is in open error.” (Al-Mulk 67:28-29)”

 Similarly, the following two verses in different Surahs illustrate how “Al-Rahman” and “Allah” are used interchangeably:

أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا إِلَى ٱلطَّيْرِ فَوْقَهُمْ صَـٰفَّـٰتٍ وَيَقْبِضْنَ مَا يُمْسِكُهُنَّ إِلاَّ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ إِنَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ بَصِيرٌ) الملك (

“Do they not see the birds above them, spreading and folding their wings? None holds them except Al-Rahman. Surely, He is seeing all things.” (Al-Mulk 67:19)

أَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ إِلَى ٱلطَّيۡرِ مُسَخَّرَٲتٍ۬ فِى جَوِّ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَا يُمۡسِكُهُنَّ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ‌ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ (٧٩)

“Do they not see the birds controlled in the atmosphere of the sky? None holds them except Allah. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who believe.” (Al-Nahl 16:79)

The meanings of terms such as Awliya Allah (the wards of Allah), Taqwa (God-consciousness), Iman (faith), and Ibad Al-Rahman (servants of the Most Merciful) are derived directly from their definitions in the Quran. In contrast, understanding the name Al-Rahman is based on how it is used throughout the Quran. The simplest way to grasp its meaning is to examine which other names of Allah can substitute for it in the verses where it appears. Since “Allah” can be substituted in all such instances, it becomes clear that names emphasizing mercy alone are insufficient to convey the full meaning of Al-Rahman.

This analysis leads to the conclusion that the name Al-Rahman encompasses all of Allah’s names and attributes—His power over creation, authority to punish, dominion over the Hereafter, and more. It is a unique name that integrates the totality of Allah’s attributes into a single term, making it impossible to translate fully into just one word. Its meaning shifts depending on the context and the specific attributes being highlighted.

While “Allah” is the personal name of the Creator, accompanied by the adjective Al-Rahim (the Merciful), Al-Rahman reflects the entirety of Allah’s attributes. The adjective associated with Al-Rahman is also Al-Rahim, indicating that even when Allah’s actions involve punishment, the essence of His mercy remains present.

This understanding underscores the profound significance of the Quran’s opening verse, where Allah introduces His personal name and all His attributes through the lens of mercy.

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ (١)

“In the name of Allah, Al-Rahman, the Merciful.” (Al-Fatiha 1:1)

The following verses highlight the different attributes associated with the name Al-Rahman.

1/ Al-Rahman is used in reference to Allah’s perfect attributes of creation and control over all that exists.  Allah says:

وَتَوَڪَّلۡ عَلَى ٱلۡحَىِّ ٱلَّذِى لَا يَمُوتُ وَسَبِّحۡ بِحَمۡدِهِۦ‌ۚ وَڪَفَىٰ بِهِۦ بِذُنُوبِ عِبَادِهِۦ خَبِيرًا (٥٨) ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَهُمَا فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ۬ ثُمَّ ٱسۡتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِ‌ۚ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ فَسۡـَٔلۡ بِهِۦ خَبِيرً۬ا (٥٩)

“And place your trust in the Ever-Living who does not die; and celebrate His praise; and enough is He to be aware of the sins of His slaves. (58) He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between in six days, and is firmly established control on the “Arsh” (Throne) (the biggest creation ever), Al-Rahman, so ask about Him someone who knows,” (Al-Furqan 25:58-59)

ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِ ٱسۡتَوَىٰ (٥) لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا وَمَا تَحۡتَ ٱلثَّرَىٰ (٦)

“Al-Rahman who is in control of the “Arsh” (Throne). (5) To Him belongs all that in the heavens, all that in the earth and whatever is between them and whatever is underneath the soil.” (Taha 20:5-6)

 

ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٍ طِبَاقاً مَّا تَرَىٰ فِي خَلْقِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ مِن تَفَاوُتٍ فَٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍ

)الملك(

“He created seven skies, one over the other. You will see nothing out of proportion in the creation of Al-Rahman. So, cast your eye again. Do you see any rifts? “(Al-Mulk 67:3)

2/ Al-Rahman represents Allah’s majestic attributes that reflect threat and punishment, as in the following verses:

  يٰأَبَتِ إِنِّيۤ أَخَافُ أَن يَمَسَّكَ عَذَابٌ مِّنَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ فَتَكُونَ لِلشَّيْطَانِ وَلِيّاً ) مريم (

“(Ibrahim said) My dear father, I fear that you will be afflicted by a punishment from Al-Rahman, and you become a companion of Satan.” (Maryam 19:45)

 قُلْ مَن كَانَ فِي ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةِ فَلْيَمْدُدْ لَهُ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ مَدّاً حَتَّىٰ إِذَا رَأَوْاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ إِمَّا ٱلعَذَابَ وَإِمَّا ٱلسَّاعَةَ فَسَيَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ هُوَ شَرٌّ مَّكَاناً وَأَضْعَفُ جُنداً) مريم (

“Say, “Whoever stays straying, Al-Rahman will prolong his span of life until they see what they are being warned of: either the punishment (in this world) or the Hour (Day of Judgement), then they will know who was worse in position and who is weaker in forces.” (Maryam 19:75)

 إِنَّمَا تُنذِرُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ ٱلذِّڪۡرَ وَخَشِىَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنَ بِٱلۡغَيۡبِۖ فَبَشِّرۡهُ بِمَغۡفِرَةٍ۬ وَأَجۡرٍ۬ ڪَرِيمٍ (یسٓ)

“You only warn the one who follows the advice and fears Al-Rahman in secret.  So, give him good news of forgiveness and a generous reward.” (Yaseen 36:11)

 ءَأَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ ءَالِهَةً إِن يُرِدۡنِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ بِضُرٍّ۬ لَّا تُغۡنِ عَنِّى شَفَـٰعَتُهُمۡ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يُنقِذُونِ

“Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him.  If Al-Rahman intends to do harm to me, their intercession neither help me nor save me?” (Yaseen 36:23)

 وَمَن يَعْشُ عَن ذِكْرِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ نُقَيِّضْ لَهُ شَيْطَاناً فَهُوَ لَهُ قَرِينٌ) الزخرف(

 “Whoever makes himself blind to the remembrance of Al-Rahman, We assign for him a devil who becomes his companion all the time.” (Al-Zughtouf 43:36)

 قَالَتۡ إِنِّىٓ أَعُوذُ بِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ مِنكَ إِن كُنتَ تَقِيًّ۬ا

“She (Maryam) said, “I seek refuge with Al-Rahman against you, if you are God-fearing” (Maryam 19:18) 

 

3/ Al-Rahman implies the Controller and the Dominator of the world and the Hereafter as Allah says:

وَيَوۡمَ تَشَقَّقُ ٱلسَّمَآءُ بِٱلۡغَمَـٰمِ وَنُزِّلَ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ تَنزِيلاً (٢٥) ٱلۡمُلۡكُ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ ٱلۡحَقُّ لِلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ‌ۚ وَڪَانَ يَوۡمًا عَلَى ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ عَسِيرً۬ا (٢٦)

“The Day the sky will split open with clouds, and angels will be sent down, descending (in ranks) (25) The kingdom on that day is be the true one, belonging to Al-Rahman: it will be a day of dire difficulty for the disbelievers.” (Al-Furqan 25:25:26)

رَّبِّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ‌ۖ لَا يَمۡلِكُونَ مِنۡهُ خِطَابً۬ا (٣٧) يَوۡمَ يَقُومُ ٱلرُّوحُ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ صَفًّ۬ا‌ۖ لَّا يَتَكَلَّمُونَ إِلَّا مَنۡ أَذِنَ لَهُ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ وَقَالَ صَوَابً۬ا (٣٨ [النبأ 37-38]

‘’The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, Al-Rahman, with Whom none can speak. (37) On the Day when the Spirit (Jibril) and the angels will stand in rows. They will not speak, except for the one who is permitted by Al- Rahman, and speaks aright” (Al-Nabaa 78:37-38)

إِن كُلُّ مَن فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلأَرْضِ إِلاَّ آتِي ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ عَبْداً ) مريم(

“There is none in the heavens and the earth, but bound to come to Al-Rahman as a slave” (Maryam 19:93)

 يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلدَّاعِىَ لَا عِوَجَ لَهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَخَشَعَتِ ٱلۡأَصۡوَاتُ لِلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ فَلَا تَسۡمَعُ إِلَّا هَمۡسً۬ا [طه]

“That day they will follow the caller without any deviation. And the voices will turn low in awe for Al-Rahman. So, nothing will you hear but whispering” (Taha 20:108)